Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

Patrik Hersley lost a large part of the 2003-04 season due to injuries. He has been healthy this season and performed convincingly in the juniors, as well as with the Swedish U19 team. Hersley amassed eight goals and 14 assists in 31 junior league games and is a physical defenseman with fine offensive tools.

2005-06: Played the majority of the season in the Tier-II level of Sweden’s professional hockey. Hersley scored 13 points in 34 games for Malmo, 30th amongst defensemen in the league. Hersley was more well known for his solid defensive play with some physicality than his scoring. Signed a contract with Los Angeles during the offseason.

2006-07: Even though he was under contract with Los Angeles, Hersley returned to Malmo, Sweden, this time to play almost the entire season with the parent club of the SEL. While his two points in 28 games will not wow anyone, the Kings tagged Hersley before the season as a potential starting defenseman for Los Angeles in the near future. Hersley will cross to North America beginning next season.
2007-08: Hersley split the season between the Manchester Monarchs (AHL) and the Reading Royals (ECHL). In 42 games with the Monarchs, he recorded a goal and eight assists, and added three goals and 15 assists in 20 games with the Royals.

Acquired in a trade with Ned Lukacevic for Denis Gauthier. Traded again, from Philadelphia to Nashville, in September, 2009.

Talent Analysis

Hersley is a big and strong defenseman. He is quite reliable in his own end and handles the physical play very well. His slapshot from the blueline is hard and rather accurate and his passing game is good too. Furthermore he reads the game well and has good mobility.

He has a great shot from the point, soft hands and good hockey sense. Furthermore Hersley has good timing and power in his hits, but tends to overwork the puck in his own end at times. Overall he is a very capable defenseman who is entertaining to watch, not only while joining the rush in full speed, but also when laying out opponents with big hits.